An event in Greensboro Tuesday is promoting a better understanding across faiths. The ongoing Ask A Muslim Anything! series aims to answer both complex and basic questions about Islam.
It's in part a response to recent heated political rhetoric. "Islam is viewed as a problem to solve, rather than something that already coexists in the everyday experience of Americans," says organizer Deonna Kelli Sayed.
At Ask A Muslim Anything! the topics can range from the practical, like "how do you pray and how often?" to the theoretical, such as "what constitutes Islamic law?" The event is a collaboration between Scuppernong Books and Sayed. She says this takes the conversation outside of the traditional interfaith or academic environment and brings it to the community.
"What many people don't realize" she notes, "is how diverse Muslims are and the long history that Islam has in America, and that many Muslims, I would say most Muslims, look and act and have a lifestyle just like everyone else.”
The open-to-the-public event will feature a Muslim hospital chaplain, university professors, and community leaders. It takes place Tuesday night at 7:00pm at Scuppernong Books in Greensboro. Sayed says another is scheduled for March, with the possibility of more in the future.